Why is The Wizard of Oz Such A Popular Story?

According to the Library of Congress, The Wizard of Oz (from 1939) is the most watched film ever This is due in part to its regular broadcast on network TV beginning in the 1950s.

One interesting collection of insights comes from the writer Salman Rushdie, who shows that The Wizard of Oz has been successful because it embodies some of our most enduring values. At the same time, it also raises some provocative ideas. One prominent theme revolves around the inadequacy of adults—their inability to live up to expectations and to face down the larger forces in life. Adults, especially the good adults, are portrayed as powerless.In the beginning, for example, Auntie Em and Uncle Henry are unable to prevent the wicked Miss Gulch from taking Toto away (after she gets bitten by him). They're also helpless to protect their farm, or to protect Dorothy, from the oncoming tornado. Later, the film's defining moment comes when we learn that the all-powerful Wizard is in fact powerless. These episodes will be disappointing to younger viewers, but they should hardly surprise older viewers, who are well-accustomed to the fallibility of adults. Is the film trying to convey this reality to children too? Another theme centers on the relationship between power and gender. The Wizard of Oz veers from the traditional Hollywood storyline in that there's no male hero. In fact, quite the opposite: the only two figures with any real power are women—Glinda the Good Witch and Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch. The male leads—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—play the classic "common man" roles, with little power to control their own destiny. The only other powerful character to emerge is Dorothy.In fact, after the struggle over Toto, the tornado can be understood as the clashing forces between Miss Gulch and the headstrong Dorothy. (It's no coincidence that Dorothy's last name is Gale). When we get to Oz, Glinda, Dorothy, and the Witch are the three powerful figures, while all the men are weak (including the Wizard). Thus, similar to the theme about the inadequacy of adults, we're also getting the message that men's power is illusory, whereas women's power is real. Dorothy’s immortal line is considered one of the central messages of the movie. If you ever go looking for your heart's desire, you don't have to look any further than your own back yard. In other words: your roots are important. Although this lesson is played up in the final scene of the film, the bulk of the story is instead about the dream of escaping, the desire to leave the here and now to find a better place. This desire is stirred early when Auntie Em admonishes Dorothy to go "find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble." Dorothy wonders whether such a place exists, and her rendition of somewhere "Over the Rainbow" provides the answer. And is there any real contest between 1) the gray world of Kansas where there's nothing to do and no one to play with, and 2) a place where you're instantly loved by many (the Munchkins), you have a clear, meaningful goal (to see the wizard), and you have three new friends to help you reach that goal? There's little doubt whether viewers would want to stay in Kansas or escape someplace else. But Dorothy, who's still a child back in Kansas, has little choice but to stay for now. Without any real alternatives, isn't it better to just convince yourself that you're exactly where you want to be? These contrasting values (escaping vs. embracing your roots) broaden the movie's appeal, allowing you to take away whichever message speaks to you more. Or better yet, the two messages can be taken together: Be happy with what you've got, but you can still dream of escaping to a better place. We get a related message from Glinda, when she tells Dorothy that she's had the power to return herself home all along, she just didn't know it. Similarly, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion discover that what they were seeking—a brain, a heart, and some courage—were actually inside of them all along. Overall, the film is affirming that you have the ability to get what you want, and this power comes from within. Other people may be able to offer some moral support, but ultimately it's up to you. One of the more subtle messages of the film is the way it characterizes human nature: people are depicted as generally good. This theme is best expressed when Dorothy accuses the Wizard of being a very bad man for deceiving them, to which he humbly replies, "Oh no, my dear...I'm a very good man. I'm just a very bad wizard." (He's powerless, but good.) Instead, all the evil emanates from the Wicked Witch, who can get others to behave badly while under her spell. Her foot soldiers, for example, turn out to be pretty nice guys once the witch is dead. Our goodness and our strengths come from within ourselves, while our wickedness originates from the outside—in this case by a truly evil person. This view of human nature fits with the current view held by many psychologists, who perceive people as well-intentioned but capable of behaving badly under harsh conditions or cruel authority figures.

What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Famous?

One thing I’ve always wanted to be since I was a little girl is famous, but the only difference from then and now is that I’ve learned the advantages and disadvantages of being famous. One of the advantages would be being known, knowing that everyone knows your name, knows your face and want to know everything about you is the greatest feeling to me. Another thing is being an inspiration to others. To inspire someone and having people say they want to be like you, dress like you and do the things you do makes you want to strive harder for perfection because you don’t want to let people down because they are counting on you. Lastly is being able to buy new things. Being to buy your family and friends things and go on shopping sprees without having a budget is something I would love looking forward to because I don’t ever want to want for anything and I would hate for my family and friends to want for something when I can get it. The disadvantages of being famous would have to be the rumors. Even when you’re doing good and being positive people always try to find the littlest things bad about you or make up lies about you to give you a bad image. Another thing would be trying not to get old. By being old I don’t mean in age I mean trying not to get to the point when people get tired of seeing you or hearing you. If I ever get famous I want people to always want more of me I don’t want to fade out of the spotlight.

Do You Discuss Sex With Your Parents?

Unlike some children and their parents, my mom and I have a very strong bond. We talk about everything from school, to friends to relationships and sex. Even though she’s my mom we’re friends too and I can always come to her for advice or just when I need someone to listen to what I have to say. When we first start talking about sex she was happy that I felt comfortable talking to her about something like that even though she wasn’t encouraging me to do it she informed me of all the things about it. Most parents would scare their children by making sex seem like the most horrible thing but my mom told me facts and I love that about her. She was honest with me and told me that she hoped that I would wait till marriage but if I didn’t make sure it was the right time and the right person and I took those words to heart. I feel that since I can talk to her about sex we won’t ever have to hide anything from each other and our relationship will stay strong because sex is something that a lot of teenagers keep hidden but my mom is always there to help me through my problems not to judge me or mislead me.

What Do You Learn From Writing?

When I write I’m able to express the things that may be hard to say verbally. I’m the type of person that enjoys texting over talking on the phone sometimes because I’m sometimes shy to express myself while speaking. When I’m writing or texting I’m able to open up, it’s as if I’m another person when I write because I become more outgoing. When I’m writing I learn the proper language to use, proper spelling and also I learn more things about myself. The more I write, the more I notice how practice makes perfect because when I didn’t write as much my writing skills were very weak but now they have improved. Writing more has also gave me the courage to want to send letters to colleges and write more advanced papers in my current classes. When writing I’ve also learned the different writing devices, from narratives, persuasive, biographies, auto-biographies etc. I’ve learned how to distinguish the differences in literary devices and how to write my own types of writing. Another thing I’ve learned is how to structure my papers from my opening sentence to my ending sentence. So not only has writing enhanced my writing during school but also in my social life.

The Unknown

It was dark, windy yet cloudless day and the streets of Chicago were completely empty. We were expecting a tornado and there were warning announcements so everyone stayed tucked in bed and kept their eyes glued to the television, everyone except four rebellious teenagers. The thought of having a tornado was cool to them so they walked the streets of Chicago as if they owned them. Suddenly it hit twelve o’clock which made them even more convinced that all the tornado talk was fake. “Man we should just go home because it’s getting colder and my mom is probably worried” said David the youngest out of the group. “If you’re scared and want to go home with your mommy just say that David” said Marcus. Marcus began to laugh at David and the two other boys joined in, so David decided to stay a little while longer. “Me being scared? Are you crazy? I was just speaking up for you because I know you’re too chicken to say it. I can stay out here till the morning!” Said David. So they all continued to walk until they reached the local cemetery which was foggy and very cold for some reason. Everyone began to stare at each other to see who was going in first but no one made a move. Since Marcus was the oldest and appeared to be the toughest he volunteered to go in first. “Wow you guys, how old are we? And you’re scared to walk into a cemetery we have family here! It’s a family reunion!” Said David with a chuckle. So of course the other guys followed. Suddenly they started hearing voices saying “Come here Daviddd, Come here Marcusss, Come near Larryyy, Come near Jacksonnn”. At first the boys thought nothing of it until it got louder and louder. Then a huge white hand reached out toward them and they all begin to run out in different directions. David ran near the exit but was stopped by two shadows that grabbed and pulled on him until he finally fell to the ground. As he was turning around he noticed a grave behind him with his name saying “RIP DAVID ANDERSON (1994-2012). All of the other boys saw their graves also and begin to scream and cry. The shadows brought the boys back together and demanded them to prove that they were worthy of living by daring them to kill and the last person alive lives. The boys didn’t think twice and first struck Marcus which was the weakest then Larry. Last were David and Jackson. Even though they had been best friends since birth they acted as if they didn’t know each other and fought until someone was dead. In the end David lived and was sent free by the spirits and Larry, Marcus and Jackson were buried in their graves. After their deaths David ran home to his parents which were happy because the tornado passed them but suddenly became furious when they saw their only son covered in mud and blood. After they heard the story they went to the police but David was eventually admitted into a mental hospital and the ghost visited him every night until his death.

My Future Job

My Future Job Is Being An Adoption Counselor.

Educational Requirements

·         A four year degree in social work or a related field

·         Graduate degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling or psychology

Salary

·         The median for master’s level family and/or adoption counselors was $39,710 in May 2010

·         The lowest paid adoption counselors earned less than $24,180

·         The highest paid adoption counselors earned more than $63,630

Job Description

·         Adoption counselors are usually trained as psychologists or social workers, and are often employed by social service agencies. In this role, they work to place children in foster or adoptive homes. To ensure that prospective parents are good candidates, the counselor conducts a thorough investigation into their finances, background, psychological fitness and home environment. After a child is placed, the adoption counselor continues to visit the family in order to monitor the child’s progress and offer support.

Occupational Outlook

·         According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of master’s level adoption counselors and marriage and family therapists is expected to grow by 37% from 2010 - 2020, which is considered much faster than average for all occupations. Growth within the foster care system has created a demand for adoption counselors in recent years. In addition, more families are choosing to adopt children from the United States and abroad. Job prospects are best for experienced candidates with graduate degrees.

Personal Characteristics/Abilities Needed for This Career

·         Adoption counselors must be compassionate people with a genuine interest in helping others through crises and stressful decisions. Because they spend much of their time interviewing, counseling and consulting with clients, they should have good people skills and strong speaking and listening skills.

·         Good adoption counselors are aware of their own limitations and seek support when they need it. Their emotional maturity and excellent self-management skills allow them to help people in crisis without becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of their clients’ problems. Working in the field of child welfare is an enormous responsibility. Adoption counselors rely on their observational and interpersonal skills to determine whether a potential placement is suitable and safe.

Advantages

·         Being able to help a child find the perfect home

·         Being able to make a family complete

·         Being able to help people understand they have someone to help and talk to which would be me

Disadvantages

·         Working with difficult families

·         Working with difficult children

·         Not being able to match a child up with the right family

Working Conditions

·         Adoption counselors spend much of the workday in offices meeting with clients and completing paperwork. They frequently travel to clients’ homes to conduct home studies and follow up with adoptive families.

·         Adoption counselors must schedule their work around the needs of clients. They often conduct home visits, respond to crises and provide counseling outside of regular business hours. In many agencies, adoption counselors are on call some nights and weekends.

Would I Be Suited To This Job and Consider It As A Career Possibility?

I think this job would be perfect for me because I am a people person and I always have a listening ear for anyone’s problems. I am also a hard worker especially when it comes to helping someone and I am organized and show a lot of compassion toward people in need. I think I would enjoy being a part of a family’s happiness so this job would definitely be for me.

The Death Penalty

My topic is the death penalty. Before doing my research I questioned should the death penalty be banned in the United States. I surveyed twenty-five of my classmates and ten percent of my class agreed to ban the death penalty and the rest disagreed. One student that thought the death penalty should be banned said "too many people will want the death penalty out of anger". Another student that thought the death penalty shouldn't be banned said "It helps with criminals". As I went on with my research I came up with three questions I wanted to answer. One of those questions is Where did the death penalty originate? The nest question is Where is the death penalty forbidden? The last question is Where is the death penalty legal? When I started to search the web I found three sources that would help me with the questions I had. When I received information from those selected sites I took out six quotes that stood out to me. One of the things I found out that I didn’t know before I had done the research is that the death penalty laws date far back as the eighteenth century. It was unbelievable to me how long the death penalty had been going on and how the death penalty is different from what it used to be. In the old days they used to hang people, burn them or just torture them until they died now its five different methods of the death penalty. The five methods is the lethal injection, electrocution, lethal gas, firing squad and the old way which is hanging. Hanging is not used as a death penalty anymore but since the death penalty still exists they use more of the lethal injections. Another fact I learned is that the death penalty is authorized in 37 states, the federal government and the U.S. military. Before I did my research I thought people could only get the death penalty in small towns  but I learned that it is popular in a lot of places. There are only 13 states and the District of Columbia that are without the death penalty, those states are Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Also when I think about the death penalty I automatically think that only men can get the death penalty but I found out I was wrong. As of April 1, 2012 there were 61 women on death row. Even though there are more men than women on death row I was surprised at the crimes most of these women had committed. I also learned that there are more Caucasian and African American men being executed than any other race. I was very surprised then again it was kind of expected for some reason.  
               When researching my topic I also learned the controversy that the death penalty brings. One controversy surrounding my topic is that it’s a lot of people that think the death penalty is unlawful and I agree. A lot people said that it is because it’s an act of murder and some people are just saying its right because they have to be punished. I believe someone should be punished for their actions but death should never be the answer. Everyone deserves to live and putting someone in jail for life is enough. Seeing the death penalty from everyone else’s view opened my eyes to both sides in a way. I learned that the death penalty is seen as a good or bad thing to most people because in most states that’s all people know and if the death penalty becomes frequent it becomes normal. Where I’m from its not really that common so I don’t see it as being normal I see it as murder. So when doing my research my research my opinion about the death penalty didn’t really change but I did learn about the different views, the different types of death penalty and the controversy.   

Describe Your All-Time Best Experience With Either Preparing Or Consuming Food.

I remember when I went to the “Grand Lux Café” for the first time; they had some of the best food I’ve tasted in a long time. I ordered a well done steak with a bake potato and a molten chocolate cake with a strawberry daiquiri. When I started to cut my steak it was so tender that the knife slid right through it and it fell right off the bone. When I finally took a bite it was so good I felt like it was perfectly made just for me. It had all the right seasoning, it wasn’t too hot or too cold when they brought it to me and it was so juicy and had such a good after taste that I didn’t even need A1 sauce. When I was done with my delicious steak I had dessert. For dessert I ordered a molten chocolate cake which was great as well. Chocolate cake is my favorite and I was at a new restaurant so I was skeptical about getting it but I was glad I did. When they brought it to me it was so pretty, they decorated it like it was my birthday which made me even more eager to eat it. When I took a bite of it-it was so delicious I started to eat slow so I could savor the moment I even ordered another piece to go because it was too good to just eat one day. After eating my dinner and desert I topped it off with a strawberry daiquiri which was also good and I went home with a full belly and a satisfied smile and til’ this day I will never forget that time and I can’t wait to go back.

Where Would You Most Like To Go Today If You Could?

If I could go anywhere for just today I would go to the spa, even though the week has not ended yet it’s been a very long week for me. School has me stressed out, searching for colleges are a burden, babysitting my sisters is a handful and I’m still trying to keep up my social life. It’s hard trying to manage more than one thing in your life without dropping one. I can’t drop school because my mom would kill me. I can’t stop looking for the right college because I need to start somewhere or I’ll just graduate and still be at home. I can’t stop babysitting my sisters because there’s no one else to do it but me. I definitely can’t drop my social life because I would lose myself I get a few hours of enjoyment out of my week so if I lose that I’ll have nothing. So a spa day would feel like heaven to me, I’m sure that it would be peaceful and relaxing. I just want to be pampered; I want to have someone cater to me instead of me caring for everyone. Having just one day at the spa would be one of the best days of my life. There would be no stress from school, no searching for colleges, no babysitting, and no social life just me, myself and I.

How Have You Changed Since Last Year?

A way I’ve changed since last year is being more social. Last year I kept to myself a lot, instead of staying with my friends after school I would go straight home to do nothing and when people invited me places I never went. I was so anti-social because at some point I didn’t think I would fit in. I waited all the way until my fourth year in high school to notice I had good friends that accepted me and wanted to be around me. I also feel that I started to have more school spirit this year. I joined the cheerleading team, went to the homecoming game and also represented Curie at pep rally. In my previous years I was a “nobody” in school my teachers couldn’t even remember who I was because I was so quiet and I just went with the flow. This year I could walk in the hallway and see my teachers and they’re always smiling and saying hello. A lot of people are saying I finally came out of my shell and I think it’s because I have so many people around me that appreciate me and I just had to start noticing it myself.

How Are You Friendly or Unfriendly? What Seems To Make The Difference In The Way You Act?

I’m friendly when I’m around positive people. I believe that when the people around you are positive it makes you want to be positive. I’m also friendly around goofy people because I can be really goofy at times. I like to have fun so I like people who like to have fun. I attract interesting people that are friendly and like to do fun things without negative energy. When I have food I’m friendly too because I love to eat. If you give me good food I’ll become your best friend because food is like the key to my heart. The only time that I become unfriendly is when I’m around people that are negative or have attitudes all the time. I know that everyone has bad days but you shouldn’t let everyday be a bad one. I live by the philosophy that life is too short so you might as well live it. I must admit that I do have a attitude problem though. It could be the littlest thing that just turns my on button off because I have a short temper and low tolerance for some people. I could be the nicest person but if you do something that I feel is wrong I turn into a different person. The main things that make me change my whole demeanor is when someone tells a lie or dislikes me for no reason.  Throughout my life I’ve had to deal with that so many times that I have no tolerance for it. I feel that a liar is a cheater and a cheater is a thief and I just don’t like people like that in my presence. I also hate when a person dislikes me for no reason. I don’t understand how someone could dislike another person when they haven’t even got a chance to actually know the person but that happens frequently in my life.

What Are You Working Toward This Year?

This year I’m working towards getting straight A’s, graduating from high school, going to a decent college and moving out of my mom’s house. The thing that I’m working towards the most is moving out of my mom’s house because I feel that it’s nothing like having your own space, your own rules and being able to just worry about yourself for once. I know living on my own would be harder than living with my mom because I’ll have more responsibilities but I’m willing to work for it. I feel that my mom has worked hard for seventeen years so it’s my turn to take responsibility for myself. I’m working towards getting all A’s because I haven’t had straight A’s since 6^th grade and that was 6 years ago, so I think this year will be my year to shine again. I’m working towards graduating from high school because I’ve been here four years too long. My freshmen year I was so excited to be here now I feel that I have out grown Curie. I think that when I graduate I won’t miss or reminisce because these four years have been dreadful. I’m also working towards going to a decent college, preferably a four year college. Even though I am tired of school I have big dreams that I want to turn into reality so I know college is my only way. Hopefully all of the things I’m working towards get accomplished because right now all they are-are goals that I’m working on changing.

Insecurity, The Enemy In Me

You make me hide
Behind my fear
Of being so inadequate.
You work your silent
Magic to
Destroy all my relationships.
You find my weakness,
Bring it forward,
Displayed for me to see.
And in my fear,
I'm paranoid
That others see and flee.
I could have love
And friendships true,
But you cast doubt on those.
You show me all
My cons that aren't,
And hide me from my pros.
I think that I
Am who's at fault;
That I can never be
As good as what
I think I should.
You're the enemy in me!
But just like with
Any war,
Winning half the fight
Is knowing who
And knowing where
Your enemy hides in night.
I recognize
Just what you are
And how your lies affect me,
And I will not
Give in today
To you, my adversary!
I am above
Your petty lies
And falsehoods which you show me.
I am human.
Mistakes are human,
So go and let me be!
I, in myself,
Am good enough
For love and happiness.
I can make
Others happy
And rise above all this!
I am satisfied
With me and
Others will be too,
And you can't lay
Your hand on me,
So go hide in the loo!
Oh, destroyer of
Close relationships,
Wall that shrinks from love,
Starter of
All arguments,
Of wars, and push and shove,
Be gone from me,
And don't come back,
So wily and so witty!
You no longer
Rule my life,
Foul Insecurity!

-Davide Young

• The poem "Insecurity, The Enemy In Me" , is about a person trying to fight their insecurities. It states how their insecurities has caused them to miss out on so many things in life because they are so worried about what the next person might think of them. The writer is also stating how their insecurites make them believe that if they show the real side of them then they won't be accepted by others
• The thing that caught my eye in this poem is when the writer says "You show me all my cons that aren't and hide me from my pros" this caught my attention because I feel that this is a very strong quote. A lot of people focus on their flaws so much that it starts to ruin them and thats all because of insecurities. Insecurities play a big role in a person's life because having insecurites about yourself could make you have false accusations about the people around you.
• I can relate to this because I had a lot of insecurites and I couldn't let them go until I begin to lose people I really cared about. Just like the writer in the poem I got to the point where I had to just let my insecurites go and no longer let it take control of my life.

Waiting For You

I don't mean to be unhappy, I yearn for joy in my life, too.
But when your heart is bleeding, how can the sky seem blue?

Despite my jaded heart, I am human, and I know that I need love, too.
But you see, my soul is different from all the rest,
and through it all, I taught myself to never settle for less.
Even if that means a lifetime of loneliness,
I know I deserve nothing but the best.

Still, I have to wonder if I am saving myself from heartache
by denying that I have any emotions?
Or am I spiraling down a path of self-destruction and deprivation?

Longing for love, but too afraid to feel it...
Aching to be touched, but unwilling to show it...

All I want is someone real to come and set my soul free.
I need someone who can intrigue me,
and that's not about playing games,
cause, frankly, that's not my style.So if you think you are the one, then stick around for a while.
I have a lot to offer, so many things to bring to the table.
And when I find that special person,
I will be more than willing, and, oh, so able
to fulfill all your deepest desires, and make you feel like a King,
as long as you see me through this dark tunnel of numbness,
and treat me like your Queen...

-Jessika Joy Janusak

• This poem "Waiting For You" is about a woman wanting to be loved but refusing to settle for anything that comes her way. She describes her flaws but wants someone who will accept them. In the poem she describes the man she wants and how grateful she would be if she ever finds this "dream guy".
• The thing that caught my attention in the poem is when she says "Even if that means a lifetime of loneliness I know I deserve the best". This caught my attention because a lot of people look for love not caring what kind of love it is but I feel just like the writer. I wouldn't settle for something just because I want it, I'd rather wait and have someone that is made for me than to rush something and end up unhappy.
• I can relate to this poem because I feel that I am a very reasonable person but I'm different from everyone else. I believe and soulmates and I feel that its someone for everyone but you have to be willing to be patient.

Husbands and Wives

Two broken hearts lonely looking houses

Where nobody lives

Two people each having so much pride inside

Neither side forgives

Angry words spoken in haste

Such a waste of two lives

Its my belief

Pride is the chief cause in the decline

In the number of husbands and wives

A woman and a man

A man and a woman

Some can and some can't and some can't…

-Neil Diamond

• The poem "Husbands and Wives" is about a couple being in a troubled relationship. It explains how people could be so caught up in trying to be right that they dont try to make the situation better. It also states how a person could have some much pride that they lose themselves and lose each other and in the end its a lose-lose situation.
•  The thing that caught my attention in this poem is when the writer says "two people with so much pride inside, neither side forgives". This caught my attention because it is so true. So many people focus so much on the bad things in a relationship insted of cherishing the good moments.
• I can relate to this poem because I'm in a relationship now where we argue and half the time the argument could've been prevented but we're so caught up in being the right one instead of the reasonable one or the one thats willing to be wrong to make things right. In my relationship pride plays a big part and its the evil part of our relationship that we cant get rid of. Like my relationship there are some people that can overcome pride then there are some who let it ruin them.